BOYS BASKETBALL ROUND UP: Bulldogs rally, top Belding

The Ionia boys basketball team rallied from a 24-15 halftime deficit Tuesday night to earn a 45-42 win over Belding.

"We really struggled in the first half with Belding's defense," Bulldog coach Scott Swinehart said. "We did a better job in the second half, especially in the third quarter, moving the ball."

The Dawgs were able to score more points in the third quarter thanthey did in the entire first half, outscoring the Redskins 18-7 to turn their nine-point deficit at the break into a 33-31 lead. Ionia made free throws down the stretch to earn the win.

Austin Gregory finished with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists to lead Ionia. Bryce Cashner scored 10 points and Jordan Miller chipped in with six.

Belding was paced by Brendan Zuver, who scored 15 points. Kole Hart finished with eight, while Brendan Sutherland and Garrett Strotheide each finished with seven.

Ionia (3-16) will wrap up the regular season on Thursday at home against Williamston.

Belding will also be back in action on Thursday when the Redskins play host to Ravenna.

The Pirates (17-2, 14-1 in CMAC) will finish the regular season on Thursday when they play host to Dansville.

Fulton 51, St. Pats 34

PORTLAND — The Shamrocks took a brief lead in the third quarter, but the Pirates finished strong, outscoring St. Pats 28-11 in the second half to earn the win.

The Shamrocks were able to keep pace with Fulton for most of the game, despite having only seven active players. St. Pats coach Mark Scheurer said he was pleased with his team's effort.

"I was very impressed with the way the guys played in the first half," he said. "I think they just ran out of gas in the second half, but I am happy about the way they played."

Collin Lay led the Shamrocks with 14 points, five steals and three assists. Joe Mackowiak finished with eight points.

St. Pats (8-11, 5-10 CMAC) will wrap up the regular season at home against Bath on Thursday night.

Portland 40, Charlotte 39

CHARLOTTE — The Raiders struggled through the first three quarters Tuesday night, but took control in the fourth to earn a win over the Orioles.

After trailing 22-18 at the break, Portland outscored Charlotte 10-6 in the third to even the game at 28-28 heading into the fourth. The Raiders then outscored their hosts 22-11 over the final eight minutes to pick up the victory.